Have you ever noticed a persistent ringing, buzzing, or humming sound in your ears—especially when you’re in a quiet room or trying to sleep? If yes, you could be experiencing tinnitus, a condition that affects lakhs of people across India but often goes undiagnosed or untreated. While some may consider it a minor annoyance, tinnitus can significantly impact one’s quality of life, leading to poor concentration, sleep disturbances, irritability, and even mental health concerns like anxiety and depression.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus (pronounced TIN-ih-tus or tin-NIGHT-us) is the perception of sound in the ears or head without any external sound source. Most commonly, it is described as a ringing sound, but patients also report buzzing, humming, clicking, or hissing.
It can affect one or both ears, may be intermittent or constant, and varies in intensity from person to person.
Types of Tinnitus
Subjective Tinnitus
- Heard only by the patient
- The most common form
- Typically linked to hearing loss or ear damage
Objective Tinnitus
- Can be heard by a doctor using a stethoscope
- Rare, and usually caused by vascular or muscular issues
Common Causes of Tinnitus
Tinnitus can occur due to several underlying conditions, including:
Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis)
- As people age, the hair cells in the inner ear naturally degrade, leading to tinnitus
Exposure to Loud Noise
- Factory or construction workers, DJs, and frequent concertgoers are at high risk
- Even listening to music at high volume through earphones can trigger tinnitus
Earwax Blockage
- Excess wax can press against the eardrum, disrupting hearing and causing ringing
Ear Infections or Fluid Build-Up
- Chronic ear infections or Eustachian tube dysfunction can lead to tinnitus
Ototoxic Medications
- Some antibiotics, painkillers, chemotherapy drugs, and diuretics can damage the inner ear
Medical Conditions
- High blood pressure, diabetes, anaemia, and thyroid issues may contribute to tinnitus
Head or Neck Injuries
- Trauma can impact auditory nerves or inner ear structures
Stress and Anxiety
- Often overlooked, psychological stress can worsen or even trigger tinnitus
Risk Factors
You may be at increased risk of tinnitus if you:
- Work in a noisy environment
- Are over the age of 50
- Regularly use earphones or headphones
- Have cardiovascular issues
- Suffer from chronic ear infections
- Take ototoxic drugs regularly
Symptoms of Tinnitus
Tinnitus symptoms are not limited to just “ringing in the ears”. People may experience:
- High-pitched squealing or whistling sounds
- Low, humming or droning sounds
- Clicking or pulsing noises
- Difficulty sleeping
- Trouble concentrating
- Feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears
- Emotional distress, including anxiety or depression
How is Tinnitus Diagnosed?
If you’re experiencing persistent ear ringing, it’s important to get evaluated by a qualified ENT Surgeon who specialises in tinnitus treatment.
A typical diagnosis may include:
Medical History Review
- Duration, frequency, and nature of the sound
- Triggers and associated conditions
Physical Examination
- Check for wax, infections, or structural issues in the ear
Hearing Tests (Pure Tone Audiometry)
- Determines the level and type of hearing loss
Imaging Scans (CT/MRI)
- In specific cases, to rule out neurological or vascular causes
Tympanometry and Tinnitus Matching
- Evaluate middle ear pressure and sound frequency perception
Effective Treatment Options for Tinnitus
While tinnitus is not always “curable”, its symptoms can be well-managed and significantly reduced with a combination of medical and lifestyle approaches.
Treating the Root Cause
Wax Removal
- A simple cleaning may relieve tinnitus symptoms if caused by blockage
Infection Treatment
- Antibiotics or antifungal medications if caused by an ear infection
Managing Underlying Health Issues
- Control of blood pressure, diabetes, or thyroid levels
Hearing Aids
Many people with tinnitus also have hearing loss. Hearing aids can help by:
- Amplifying background sounds
- Reducing the prominence of tinnitus
- Improving overall hearing clarity
Lifestyle Modifications
- Avoid loud noises
- Use ear protection in noisy environments
- Reduce caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol
- Practise yoga or meditation for stress relief
- Maintain a healthy diet and sleep routine
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Tinnitus often causes emotional stress. CBT helps manage:
- Anxiety or depression associated with tinnitus
- Negative thought patterns
- Coping strategies
Medication Support
While there’s no dedicated “tinnitus medicine”, some drugs may help manage associated symptoms like:
- Sleep disorders
- Anxiety
- Depression
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)
A form of sound therapXy that combines counselling and low-level white noise generators to desensitise the brain to tinnitus sounds over time.
Sound Masking Devices
These play soothing sounds like rainfall, waves, or static to distract from the ringing and help you focus or sleep.
Home Remedies That May Help
Though not a replacement for medical care, some patients find relief using:
- White noise apps on phones
- Steam inhalation for Eustachian tube issues
- Neck exercises (if neck tension is a contributing factor)
- Hydration and regular physical activity
Always consult an ENT Surgeon before starting home remedies, especially if symptoms worsen.
Why You Should Not Ignore Tinnitus
Ignoring tinnitus may lead to:
- Progressive hearing loss
- Insomnia and sleep-related issues
- Anxiety and depression
- Poor concentration or work performance
- Reduced quality of life
Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent complications and restore normal life.
Why Consult Dr. Darakshan Parveen in Nagpur?
With over 18 years of experience, Dr. Darakshan Parveen is a trusted name in ENT care in Central India. She has helped countless patients find relief from chronic tinnitus and related disorders.
What Makes Her Approach Unique?
- Thorough diagnostic evaluation
- Customised treatment plans
- Focus on minimally invasive procedures
- Patient-centred, compassionate care
- Modern ENT clinic with advanced equipment
Tinnitus is more than just a minor nuisance—it’s a real medical condition that deserves attention. Whether it’s a gentle buzz or a persistent high-pitched ring, the longer you delay, the more complicated it can become. Thankfully, with the right care and expert guidance, tinnitus can be managed effectively.
Don’t let the ringing control your life. Seek help, find answers, and take your first step toward recovery.